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The popular event, SY-CON, came back in full swing on Sept. 9.
SY-CON is the Syosset Public Library’s biennial pop culture convention, featuring vendors selling art inspired by popular anime or comic book characters; food such as Ikedo Ramen and Mr. Softee; as well as activities like a meet & greet with the Star Wars Empire Saber Guild, fan fiction writing workshop, cosplay contests, table top gaming from Game Master Games and the Extreme Video Game Truck parked outside.
The event was so popular that it was hard to find parking, and inside, people of all ages were dressed in cosplay, as they took photos, shopped from the vendors and participated in the many activities.
“This is a really fun event,” said Syosset Public Library Community Engagement Specialist Jessikah Chautin, who was dressed as a version of Zelda during the event. “The library is many things, also a venue of entertainment and what we really want when we do SY-CON is to really bring the excitement of Comic-Con, which is in the city... to the front doors of the people who live here on the island. We get people out from all over the place, and we love it.”
Last year, the Syosset Public Library presented the SY-CON Lite event, which was a smaller version of SY-CON. SY-CON Lite featured LEGO models from I LUG NY, a LEGO use group, as well as table top gaming from Game Master Games. There was also a cosplay contest, and gaming and food trucks outside.
“It was our first venture back into SYCON after the pandemic, so we didn’t have the vendors, which are a huge draw and a big part of pop-culture convention culture,” Chautin said.
But this year it was much bigger, with almost every inch of the library being used to celebrate pop-culture. It’s the perfect opportunity for individuals or groups who may be intimated or unable to travel to big pop culture conventions in the city such as Comic-Con, as well as those who may not be able to afford those events, to share in the excitement of their favorite movies, shows, games and comic books with other enthusiasts.
“The library cons are free,” Chautin said. “The Friends of the Library facilitates the vendors tables... There’s lots of fun things you can buy, and there’s also free entertainment. You get to see people in costume and walk around and get to meet people who are into the same stuff.”
Chautin added that all of the cosplays have been “fabulous,” and that so many aspects of the convention, from the cosplay contests and artists to the prize wheel and trivia, has been a hit among the crowd.
Mckel Supreme of Night and Day Anime Studios, who calls himself a man of many hats and talents, was at SY-CON selling
pearl beads art created by his wife J Scribble; terrariums (including the Pokémon Paradise Bowls and Kirby Dream Orbs); fan art inspired by anime, Marvel and DC and a comic book written and illustrated by Mckel and his wife called Reign Star Vile Chronicles.
Supreme is a freelance artist, graphic artist, illustrator, craft artist and art teacher. He’s also an organizer of the East Meadow Public Library’s EMcon Anime fest event.
“As a con-goer I’m very impressed,” Supreme said of SY-CON. “This is my third time coming here and I’m glad to see
they’ve reopened and started doing it after the pandemic. I’m very pleased to be back here and I’m very happy.”
Upstairs, many pairs and groups were engaged with board games provided by Game Master Games, run by couple David Benderwerf and Ginger Walsh. Game Master Games used to be a retail store, but Benderwerf and Walsh now run a YouTube channel and Twitch livestreams to teach games. They also provide games to conventions and library events.
“Mostly we work at libraries, and SYCON, of course, is one of our favorites,” Walsh said. “The team here at the library is just wonderful. They are so gracious and welcoming and patron focused. They’ll do whatever the patrons need. And the people that come in are just a lot of fun.”
Walsh said that over the years, Game Master Games has had some changes in what they provide over the years because of the families who want to play games with their young children. So they’ve added some age-friendly games to their collection. “We still only have a little bit,” Walsh said. “But the little bit we have, we use all the time.”
In addition to providing games for these events, Walsh and Benderwerf provide instruction on how to play the games.
“My favorites are the quick-to-learn games,” Walsh said. “Because if you’re a convention, you don’t want to make a commitment to spending three hours of games.”
Overall, it was a very successful and lively event that was enjoyed by all.
jcorr@antonmediagroup.com
At the Sept. 12 Town of Oyster Bay Town Board meeting, resident Robin Grossman of Jericho went before the board to alert them to illegal turns being made on Robbins Lane next to the Syosset Amazon Warehouse.
Grossman said she has already contacted the town’s Highway Operation and its Sign Division, and the local police.
“It has to do with Robbins Lane and Amazon, and Amazon just doesn’t seem to be following their own rules,” Grossman said, holding up a graph she made. “I have several days and hours worth of video and photos of the Amazon trucks of all kind, whether its private delivery cars, the big box trucks and the blue trucks actually coming from North from South, coming down Robbins Lane and coming to make a left hand turn into this property. In order to make that left hand turn, they actually have to overshoot, because there’s a cement curve, and a curve curbed... and then turn into the right hand turn-only lane. They’re not supposed to be doing that.”
The day before, Grossman said she saw a truck make a left hand turn into a “Do Not Enter” driveway.
“If the police were there when I requested them to watch the area, we would have a ton of money in revenue because there’s so
many illegal turns,” Grossman said. “Not only that, it’s beginning to back up traffic. And one... I was cut off. And two... nobody’s expecting anybody to stop because the traffic is literally supposed to go one way, north to south, south to north, with a special turning lane only. There’s no left turning lane.”
Grossman said she would like a sign placed in the area to deter drivers from making illegal turns.
“I think what we should all do is have the highway department follow through with a study,” said Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “We’re going to ask for a
study, we’re going to focus on safety. Safety is very important to us.”
Saladino said once the town receives the results of the study, they will contact Amazon in order to alleviate the problem and bring about more safety, while allowing the Amazon employees to do their daily tasks.
jcorr@antonmediagroup.com
On Sept. 12, in commemoration of Sept. 10-16 as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Week, Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan (D – Woodbury) and mental health care professionals gathered in a press conference at Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building to raise awareness about the newly created 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline and other mental health resources available to assist individuals and families who are confronted with a mental health crisis.
“This week is a somber commemoration that we are living through a national crisis, the likes of which we have never seen,” Lafazan said. “To contextualize how
severe the crisis is when we talk about suicide, suicide is now the second leading cause of death among young people in this country. It’s among the top nine leading causes of death for people ages 10 to 64 in this country. That is a national emergency that we’re living through. Suicide rates increased approximately 36 percent in the past two decades. Suicide was responsible for 48,000 deaths in 2021, which is about one death every 11 minutes.”
Lafazan added that in 2021, an estimated 12.3 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.5 million planned an attempt and 1.7 million attempted suicide.
“The mental health crisis in this country should alarm every parent, every neighbor, every child and it should alarm everyone in this country every single day,” Lafazan said. “And we should be sounding the alarm not just this week for suicide
prevention week, but we should be sounding the alarm every single week of the calendar year.”
People who are struggling, or know of someone who is struggling, can call or text 988 at any time to learn about resources near them or talk to a mental health clinician.
“Tell a neighbor, tell a friend that 988 exists,” Lafazan said. “No matter what you are going through, 988 is here to help you and save lives in this country.”
Lafazan also used the press conference to call for more funding towards the mental health crisis.
“There’s a remaining $269 million that Nassau County has from the American Rescue Plan funding we received from the federal government,” Lafazan said. “We’re calling for this remaining $269 million for a substantial investment... for our mental health nonprofits who are doing the work
to save those lives and to better the lives of those struggling with the mental health crisis.”
Finally, Lafazan said he and the mental health professionals from the North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, Central Nassau Guidance & Counseling Services, the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying and the Family and Children’s Association who were joining in the press conference were there to spread a message of hope.
“Hope is real and hope exists,” Lafazan said. “We’re here to end the stigma that surrounds mental health. Everyone can use somebody to talk to. Everyone is going through a struggle. And there is no stigma and no shame in seeking mental health. I talk about this as a young legislator. I go to therapy once every week and it’s a blessing and a gift.”
To watch the full press conference, visit facebook.com/JoshLafazan.
To place an item in this space, send information two weeks before the event to editors@antonmediagroup.com.
In-Store Bird Feeding Master Class
Christine Burke, co-owner of Wild Birds Unlimited, 625 Jericho Turnpike in Syosset, will guide participants from 9 to 10 a.m. on how to create a backyard refuge for birds. You’ll learn the 12 elements of a thoughtful bird feeding station, as well as the right foods to serve to attract specific birds. For more information, visit syosset.wbu.com.
Syosset-Woodbury Street Fair
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Syosset-Woodbury Chamber of Commerce will
selling to over 10,000 shoppers, as well as food trucks and live entertainment. This event is free admission and has free parking. Plug 59 Jackson Avenue, Syosset into your GPS.
Afternoon Book Discussion
Join Jackie Ranaldo, Head of Readers’ Services at the Syosset Public Library, 225 South Oyster Bay Road, at 2 p.m., for an in-person discussion of the novel The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak. Copies of the book will be available at the Circulation Desk one month before the program. No registration.
In-Person: News Currents with Elinor Haber
Join Elinor at the Jericho Public Library, 1 Merry Lane in Jericho, for an informal exchange about topics of the day-the international, national and local scene from 2 to
Wheatley Farms Harvest Festival
OPENING PARTY
Friday Evening - Sept 22nd 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
ST JOHN’S COUNTRY FAIR
Saturday - Sept 23rd 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
ST JOHN’S APPRECIATION DAY
Sunday - Sept 24th 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Mass on the Grass 10:30 am
For more information- www.stjlat.org
“Fall for All” is more than just a one-day event. It’s an opportunity to welcome the community to enjoy a carefully curated schedule offering a wide range of activities accessible to all. From sensory-friendly spac es to creative mask-making and face painting, every experience has been designed to foster inclusivity and ensure that every visitor can participate and enjoy the festivities. Enjoy the festival at Wheatley Farms Harvest Festival, 189 Wheatley Road, Brookville, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rain date is Oct. 7.
(Getty Images)
can’t stop talking about. Leave with a list of great reads. No registration required. This program will take place at the Syosset Public Library, 225 S Oyster Bay Road, at 2 p.m.
Fire Prevention Open House 2023
Join the Syosset Volunteer Fire Department, 50 Cold Spring Road in Syosset, for the annual Fire Prevention Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All members of the community are welcome. Enjoy firetruck rides, live burns and more.
FRIDAY, OCT. 20
Halloween Book-To-Film Discussion
Ninety years ago, H.G. Wells’ classic 1987 novel The Invisible Man was adapted for a film of the same name starring renowned actor Claude Rains. Read the book, then see how it is interpreted for the screen. A short discussion will follow the 1933 film led by Kaye Spurrel, Readers’ Services Librarian.
STEPHEN T. GREENBERG, M.D., F.A.C.S. DOMINATES NY PLASTIC SURGERY
Fall is the perfect time to seek help with those last few inches that you can’t seem to lose. Body Contouring can be the answer to reshaping those undesirable areas of your body. The most common body contouring technique is liposuction, and, utilizing the latest and most advanced products, your recovery is fast. The sooner you act, the sooner you’ll look fantastic. If you have been considering a Tummy Tuck (post-pregnancy or for weight loss), this procedure can have you in great shape in a very short period of time, and you can show off that terrific figure well before the Holiday Season. SmartLipo is ideal for the neck, jaw line, arms, breasts, “bra fat”, abdomen, “love handles”, “saddlebags,” inner and outer thighs and knees.
You may also consider CoolSculpting®, a body sculpting, fat freezing; non-surgical procedure that reduces inches quickly! CoolSculpting® can freeze fat from the abdomen, love handles, buttocks, thighs, arms and chin with no downtime. This new non-invasive procedure can make significant improvements in your appearance by reducing inches quickly. Most people see results after just one treatment. CoolSculpting® is FDA-cleared and studies show an average
of 22% fat layer reduction after the first procedure. Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery is currently offering a 20% discount off of two areas. Combine with the latest device Emsculpt® to tone and build muscle for a more sculpted result.
Dr. Greenberg invented the Modern Mommy Make Over to address the changes that pregnancy makes on the body. As many women elect to start a family at an older age, pregnancy, and especially repeated pregnancies, can stretch and distort the breasts and abdomen and cause spider veins, stretch marks, broken capillaries, acne and more. If childbirth has made some changes to your body that you would like to correct, the Modern Mommy Make Over provides the right combination of tummy tuck, liposuction, breast lift with or without implants and vaginal rejuvenation to restore your body and regain confidence.
Diet and exercise are the best ways to help stay healthy and keep in shape, but supplementing a healthy lifestyle with cosmetic surgery procedures will leave you in the best shape that you can be in…healthy and beautiful, both inside and out! It’s time to feel comfortable and show off that terrific figure this fall!
www.GreenbergCosmeticSurgery.com.
nonprofit community-based partnerships. These partners are in towns all across Long Island, and we work to ensure that they have diapers to distribute to the families who come to them for help,” said Heather Edwards, executive director for the Allied Foundation.
aolsen@antonmediagroup.com
One in two families with young children struggle to afford enough diapers. A newborn baby will use about 12 diapers a day, while a toddler will use around eight. Currently, there is no option for families to purchase diapers with any form of government assistance. Diapers cannot be purchased with SNAP or WIC benefits, which are primarily nutrition-based programs. This is why diaper banks like Allied Foundation are a critical lifeline for families who are struggling financially and cannot afford enough diapers.
The Allied Foundation was formed in 2015 by the pediatricians of Allied Physicians Group. These doctors wanted to come together because there were many families within their patient population who did not have access to diapers to keep their babies clean, dry and healthy. Because of this need, they made it their mission to form a diaper bank to make sure that families who
are struggling to afford diapers had somewhere to go.
“We serve all of Long Island, as far east as Montauk, across Suffolk County all the way into Nassau. We do some work in
Queens. We even did some work in Brooklyn and several of the boroughs during the pandemic. Since 2019, we have distributed 2.7 million diapers to families in need. We do that through a network of 65 different
During COVID, the Allied Foundation stepped up to support an even larger area, including the five boroughs. This led to a record number of diapers distributed. “In 2020, we distributed a million diapers. COVID was a whole other animal. We were working with the contact tracing program for families who had COVID and were low income and needed additional support services. We sort of were a lifeline for them so they didn’t have to go out to their local CVS, walk down the street to get a package of diapers for their baby.”
The Foundation is able to purchase diapers in bulk at a discount. They also accept donations of diapers from families whose babies have outgrown those sizes or are now potty trained. Edwards explained, “because we’re a member of the National Diaper Bank Network, we can purchase diapers in bulk at a very low cost through their proprietary
see DIAPERS on page 2A
Our Faith puts all your needs and comfort first. So, our innovative medical care is always delivered with unmatched compassion. It’s because we understand that we’re not treating just patients, we’re treating someone’s family, best friend, and neighbors to us all.
Learn more at chsli.org
At Catholic Health, exceptional medical care and personalized support is inspired by every one of you.
May 21, 1932 to September 10, 2023
Robert R., McMillan, 91, of Garden City, NY, passed peacefully on September 10, 2023. Beloved husband of his first wife, Jane (Dec. 1995), and his second wife, Phoebe. Cherished father to Robin, Karen (Bruce) and Kenneth (Laura). Loving grandfather to Richard, Amanda, Neil, Owen, Erica, Sabrina and Jack. Devoted brother to the late Gordon and George McMillan and his loving sisters Carol, Gail and Jean. Patriarch of his family, Mr. McMillan was a caring uncle to many nieces and nephews.
After running for the United States Senate in 1988 and winning editorial “praise” from the “The New York Times”, Mr. McMillan was named by President George Bush to the Board of the Panama Canal Commission and confirmed by the United States Senate for the post on November 19, 1989. On October 27, 1993, Mr. McMillan was elected Chairman of the Commission’s Board of Directors – the first person who was not an official of the Department of Defense to serve as Chairman.
Mr. McMillan selected to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees of the American Medical Association for six years – the first non-physician to serve on that Board. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Madison National Bank from 2007-2012 and the Board of Lumex, Inc. from 1984 to 1997.
In 1987, Mr. McMillan founded the Long Island Housing Partnership (LIHP), Inc. and served as its Chairman until 2001. Upon its creation, LIHP was the first suburban coalition in the United States to unify business, banking, labor, religious organizations, and institutions of higher learning to build and facilitate the construction of affordable housing.
Over fourteen years Mr. McMillan co-hosted a PBS television show, Face-Off, which was seen throughout the metropolitan New York and Albany areas. He frequently provided political commentary on MSNBC, CNN and FOX. For twenty years Mr. McMillan authored a weekly column for the Anton Community Newspapers on Long Island and occasionally for Newsday, The New York Times, The Miami Herald and Florida’s Charlotte Sun. In addition, he has written two books, “Global Passage – Transformation of Panama and the Panama Canal” and “Columns: Marilyn Monroe to Vietnam and Iraq”.
Early in his career, Mr. McMillan served as an Assistant to Richard M. Nixon and as special counsel to U.S. Senator Kenneth B. Keating where he was directly involved in the Cuban Missiles Crisis. He also covered a wide range of assignments as a Corporate Officer of Avon Products, Inc. – including the company’s Asia Pacific Profit Center.
Mr. McMillan finished first in his class at Ft. Belvoir’s Engineer Officers Candidate School and served in Korea with an Engineer Combat Company. First Lieutenant McMillan was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his service in Korea.
The Honorable Robert R. McMillan was acknowledged for his professionalism and infallible morals and values. His illustrious career has had a wide-spread positive impact and he will be deeply missed.
A service was held at the Garden City Community Church on Thursday, September 14th followed by a reception. At the request of family, please consider a donation in Mr. McMillan’s honor to the Long Island Housing Partnership (lihp.org/donate.html) or the Institute for Healthy Aging and Supportive Care at Northwell (support.northwell.edu/healthyaging).
jburns@antonmediagroup.com
Just over a month after a temporary Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center (HERRC) opened on the southern edge of the massive Creedmoor Psychiatric Center campus, controversy and anxiety over the site still remain, just as Governor Kathy Hochul shows every sign of planning to help re-develop much of Creedmoor into housing.
Alongside scattered reports in a handful of outlets this year that Hochul may well support a redevelopment effort, the recent wave of protests mostly focusing on whether to shelter asylum seekers and other migrants have continued at Creedmoor as well as other proposed or active sites of shelter. Located around the five boros, these HERRCs, smaller shelters (as for women and families), and other emergency options seem to differ widely between neighborhoods, while many but not all of the protest attendees seem part of a consistent base.
On September 8, frequent rally speaker and seeming co-organizer Curtis Sliwa addressed scores of attendees in a large barricaded area set up by the NYPD across from the HERRC, on the south side of Hillside Avenue, just north of Detective William T. Gunn Playground. He spoke after dark, having reportedly gotten stuck in traffic, giving an updated, Friday-night version of this year’s stump speech.
Beforehand, as the afternoon turned to evening, a handful of attendees had turned into over a hundred at the event’s peak, mostly arriving by car in groups of two to five, or in some cases joining after strolling past on foot. People holding signs or flags and wearing t-shirts for Trump, or simply wearing warm-weather casuals, mingled with each other and with embattled Representative George Santos and a few local political hopefuls in the shade of trees and portable awnings.
Ahead of the protest, police had also set up a barricaded zone on the north side of Hillside Ave., on the sidewalk and in the bus stop lane, presumably for counter-demonstrators, but there were none there that day. As I passed the entrance to the HERRC to approach still-empty barricaded areas, a young man pulling a suitcase walked out toward a waiting ride-hail vehicle, followed by two HERRC staff. They all smiled and shook hands, bid farewell in Spanish, and the young man got into the car and rode off.
Across the street, in the small seating area outside of the playground fence, a handful of men who reside at the short-term HERRC
were sitting quietly at a few tables. Before a security guard and an administrator from the HERRC came to shoo them back inside for the coming rally, one of the men asked me through a translation app what all the hubbub was about. I told him, briefly, and he responded in what seemed to be Arabic, “Do they think we are animals?” and then “We are human beings, in the end. What does the
told them in Spanish, and the first man, who had one leg and had just precariously but ably disembarked a bus on crutches, shook his head and walked away soon after. The other man responded mostly in English, stating that he does agree with one criticism from the protesters that he’d just overhead: the estimated cost per person, per night of over $300. “It’s a business,” he said, adding that the money would go further, for both the HERRC’s shortterm occupants and the communities they are joining as workers and renters, as “something like Social Security.”
“It’s exploitation,” he said, noting that he’d only been able to get work in a local kitchen for two 10-hour shifts a week, for a grand total of $200 per week. He showed the healing and fresh cuts and callouses on his hands, and lifted his shirt, on request, to reveal a still-vibrant burn on his lower belly from being scalded on the job. “I’m not used to this kind of work.”
A woman walking by a few minutes later, who lives around the corner and was a teacher for the NYCDOE for over 30 years, said she doesn’t feel safe walking past the playground anymore, and now drives her car the three blocks to the YMCA. Apropos of nothing, she noted, “Not all Indians are Democrats. But it’s not about Republican or Democrat anyway.”
She said further that she had recently noticed a group of three young men removing recyclables from her house’s bins, that she had seen a similar group of three young men at the grocery store returning recyclables for the deposit, and that now, as a result, she had moved her bins back into the garage, not wanting strangers coming on her property. “I would rather save them up for the people who have been doing that around here for years.”
Fri,
Using
earlier, he’d asked, “Do they think we are animals?”
Prophet think?” (peace be upon him).
Shortly after, an older woman arrived with a homemade sign, took her place inside the still mostly empty barricaded area, took the cigarette out of her mouth, and bellowed, “GO AWAY.”
A while later, after the crowd had grown some, two men passed the table area who also wanted to know what the protest was about. I
As the sun set, a group of three men, two elderly and one late middle-aged, approached a small group of asylum seekers and attempted to speak with them. The latter man, who introduced himself as John, said he and his fellow neighbors were trying to greet the men, and didn’t hold their immigration status against them. They do believe that somewhere else would be better for the HERRC, though, and safer for all involved, he said.
Not long after his own family moved to nearby Queens Village from Williamsburg, Brooklyn in 1958, someone burned down their garage, and another time a swimming pool was drained because his family, the “greasy Italians,” had swum in it, John recalled.
As I walked away from the scene that day, I passed three young men (or possibly older teenagers) positively bouncing along the street as they paused to look inside a public trash can with a professional air before heading onward again, showing every sign of being excited for the future.
As a child, I often thought the drive from my East Islip grandmother’s house to our home in Levittown seemed rather endless. Dad loved to listen to the radio on the drive home, which entertained me as well. Mac Davis’s “Baby, Don’t Get Hooked on Me”, Dave Loggins’ “Please Come to Boston” and Redbone’s “Come and Get Your Love” were just some of the tunes that tickled our ears as we drove; I learned lyrics through repetitive listening and sang along quietly, so as not to drown out the radio. There was one song, however, that became a favorite tune of mine and eventually became the soundtrack for our lives, although I never realized who sang it until many years later.
“Come Monday” always left me with a melancholy pit in my stomach, a wistful song that Mr. Buffett wrote to his future wife while he was on tour. It was as if I sensed that Labor Day Weekend would somehow hold some sadness not associated with the end of the summer in the future.
When the news came on Saturday September 2nd that Jimmy Buffett had peacefully passed away with his family, friends, and dogs by his side, it was as though I was hit by a freight train. My favorite artist of all time, the feeling of losing him, especially at the start of Labor Day Weekend 2023, hit me right in my chest. The great sailor had finally sailed on to the great ocean in the sky, leaving Parrotheads the world over in a state of tremendous devastation.
My husband and I have been fans of Bubba since long before we were even married. Introduced to him by a dear friend (I’m looking
at you, John) while on vacation together in Marco Island, we fell in love with the laid-back lyrics and tongue-in-cheek wit of Buffett’s music. The album, “Songs You Know by Heart” was the album of the week, which included, among others, “Cheeseburger in Paradise”, “Volcano” and that wonderful tune, “Come Monday”. As soon as we arrived home in NY, I ordered that CD for my then-fiancé, which was played so often that I worried it would wear out. We saw Jimmy Buffett in concert at Jones Beach with those same wonderful friends. As my friend put it, the music became the soundtrack of our lives.
When we purchased our Explorer, we were offered Sirius XM radio free for six months. We fell in love with Radio Margaritaville and began to pay for a subscription when the free service ran out. We listened to the station daily and became familiar with all of Jimmy’s hits, including “U.S.S. Zydocoldsmobile”, “Sail On, Sailor”, “Tin Cup Chalice” and “One Particular Harbor”. In the meantime, the other vehicle with the CD player deck continued to play “Songs You Know by Heart”
on the regular.
Every morning since my husband retired three years ago, we started our day with Jimmy and a coffee from Starbucks. Just last week, we heard a new song, titled “My Gummy Just Kicked In’. We got a kick out of it, especially when we found out the reason for the song. Apparently, Jimmy Buffett and Paul McCartney were great pals. One evening, Jimmy and his wife Jane had Paul and his wife Nancy over for a dinner party when inspiration struck in a hilarious way. Nancy stumbled a bit as she was seated at the table and Jimmy immediately came to her rescue, thinking one of his dogs had tripped her up: “Are you okay, Nancy?” Nancy responded with a smile, “No, I’m fine, my gummy just kicked in!” Of special note: WLNG Radio, a station based in Sag Harbor, was the first radio station to debut the song. Another special note: Paul McCartney plays bass on the song. Sir Paul also sang to Jimmy during his final days, which had to be tough.
On Saturday, I attempted to listen to Kirsten Winquist of Radio Margaritaville, Sirius XM Channel 24, which is owned by Jimmy Buffett. I couldn’t do it; there were tears in her voice and I knew that eventually, she was going to lose it, which would make my tears fall in earnest. The station paid tribute to Mr. Buffett’s life and legacy on September 2nd by featuring all his music. Winquist and fellow host JD Spradlin had a call-in tribute from fans around the globe; most folks offered stories about how they first encountered Buffett’s music, and many were in tears. I missed the previously unreleased song from his upcoming album to be released
on September 8th called “Bubbles Up”, but after reading comments about the song, I would have needed half a box of Kleenex to get through it.
True to his fans, family and friends to the end, Jimmy Buffett lived as he died – unassuming, laid back and loving the journey. Although he was ill for about four years with Merkel cell skin cancer that progressed to lymphoma, the disease that eventually took his life, he hid it well from the public and continued to tour. His last concert was May 6th of this year in San Diego, although he did a surprise set of 45 minutes with Coral Reefer bandmember Mac McAnally for an audience of about 200 folks in Portsmouth, RI in July. He also did a private concert at the Bohemian Grove in Northern California in August.
It’s going to take some time before I’m able to listen to Radio Margaritaville again. It’s sad that we no longer have Jimmy Buffett in the world; he was a rare individual who never let fame go to his head. He was a genuinely nice guy who preached about loving each other and being good to those around us, always smiling, always joking. I’ve often commented that I really enjoy his giggle on some of his live music.
Rest in power, Jimmy Buffett, and thank you for the music. I hope you’re enjoying a cheeseburger up there in paradise, and I hope you’re drinking good red wine out of a tin cup. In your honor, I will drink a margarita and chew on a honeysuckle vine. Come Monday, I won’t be alright, but I’ll try to listen to your songs again. And then I’ll feel fine.
Karl V. Anton, Jr., Publisher, Anton Community Newspapers, 1984-2000
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Why not show your support by participating in the 11th Annual Long Island Car Free Day this upcoming September 22? Millions of Americans today are utilizing and returning to various public transportation alternatives. They include local and express buses, para-transit vans, ferries, jitneys, light rail, subways and commuter rail services. All of these systems use less fuel and move far more people than conventional single occupancy vehicles. Most of these systems are funded with your tax dollars.
Many remember the late President Lyndon Johnson for his domestic Great Society Program,
which included Civil Rights, Medicare, Medicaid, War on Poverty and Public Broadcasting.
There was also foreign policy, most notably the Vietnam War.
Few remember that the success of public transportation can be traced back to one of President Johnson’s greatest accomplishments that continues to benefit many Americans today. On July 9th, 1964 he signed the “Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964” into law. Subsequently, this has resulted in the investment of several hundred billion dollars into public transportation under grants from the Federal Transit Administration (prior to 1991 known as the Urban Mass Transit Administration). Depending upon where you live, consider the public transportation
alternatives. Try riding a local or express bus, commuter van, ferry, light rail, commuter rail or subway. Leave your car at home. For local trips in the neighborhood, walk or ride a bike. For longer trips, consider one of the many public transportation alternatives already available in the New York Metropolitan area: MTA New York City Transit subway, bus and Staten Island Railway, Long Island Rail Road, MTA Bus, NYC Departments of Transportation Staten Island Ferry and Economic Development Corporation Private Ferries, New Jersey Transit, Port Authority Trans Hudson (PATH)
Celebrating
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While raising children can be immensely joyful, raising teens can be one of the most challenging times for a parent. Some rebellious, irritable, or anxious behavior is a normal and healthy part of being a teenager. Many changes during adolescence are part of the essential process of moving toward independence and it’s critical for caregivers to be able to offer more empathy and less judgment. However, parental stress can become overwhelming and conflicts between parents and teens are common occurrences. In a rapidly changing world, caregivers must be able to adapt their parenting styles. This can allow the relationship to remain intact and afford the parenting role to be a source of guidance.
Numerous studies suggest that the best-adjusted children are reared by parents who find a way to combine warmth and
but it’s hard to know which one to use and when.
Consider the following questions for setting limits for teens and decide which approach may work best:
What rules are needed to keep my child safe?
What rules are needed to teach my child right from wrong?
What rules are negotiable?
What rules can I let go of?
empathy with clear behavioral expectations. However, as young people transition into adulthood, this can prove to be more arduous. Some common roles used during a parenting journey can include taking charge, letting go and working together. Each approach can be effective in different ways,
The taking charge approach is best suited when your teen’s engaging in things that are unsafe for them or others. Some risky behaviors that pose safety concerns and require greater interference include smoking, using substances, gambling, stealing, sexting, self-injury or suicidal thinking. Also, when there are shifts in a teenager’s personality that are more extreme, they may be indicators of a mental health or substance use issue. For
many parents, talking with your child about emotional topics, such as their mental health, can feel uncomfortable. This can be due to the stigma involved, lack of information or even fears of possible blame. However, listening to them and having frequent conversations about their mental well-being is more important than ever.
Using the letting go method is most appropriate when your youth has successfully demonstrated they are capable of solving problems independently. You may notice while your teen spends more time with friends than family, they are able to manage dealing with disappointment, frustration and self-regulate their emotions. When you afford your teen some space, they are better able to experiment with autonomy, find time for introspection, use the distance to regulate their mood and develop their identities.
When parents work together with their teen and not just demand obedience, they are able to discuss issues illustrating an openness and sensitivity which fuels connection. They can collaborate with their child to find strength in newer behaviors. The areas where this approach works best are for school-related issues, peer relationships, chores, money, and screen time. When a parent works together with their teen to address key concerns, they allow for an open dialogue that’s supportive.
At some point, all parents will need to shift from control to collaboration as their teens migrate into adulthood. During this transition, parents will be confronted with the notion of setting unenforceable limits. Compassionate communication goes a long way, and their journey is about progress not perfection.
subway, Nassau Inter County Express (NICE Bus), City of Long Beach Bus, Suffolk County Transit, Town of Huntington Area Rapid Transit (HART) Bus, Westchester
Bee Line Bus, Transport of
Rockland County and the Putnam County Bus. They use less fuel and move more people than cars.
In many cases, your employer can offer transit checks to help subsidize a portion of the costs.
Utilize your investments and reap
the benefits. You’ll be supporting a cleaner environment and be less stressed upon arrival at your final destination.
The ability to travel from home to workplace, school, shopping, entertainment, medical, library
etc. is a factor when moving to a new neighborhood. Economically successful communities are not 100 percent dependent on automobiles as the sole means of mobility. Seniors, students, low and middle income people need
CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE gsnc.org/join
these transportation alternatives. Investment in public transportation today contributes to economic growth, employment and a stronger economy. Dollar for dollar, it is one of the best investments we can make.
jcorr@antonmediagroup.com
It was a strange coincidence when Jac Vanek, a popular clothing and accessory designer, and Long Island raised Alexis Linkletter, an investigative journalist and television host, began the “Long Island Serial Killer” series in their podcast The First Degree, two months before Massapequa Park resident Rex Heuermann was arrested in the murder of three woman. He is the prime suspect in the murder of another woman.
In addition to a podcast series that discussed the case, Vanek and Linkletter led deep dives of who the victims were, complete with interviews with victims’ family members. And to raise awareness, and funds, for sex worker protection, The First Degree teamed up with Jimmy Toast, a Long Island-based jeweler who has worked with celebrities like Noah Cyrus, in the creation of a jewelry collection called The Heavy Metal Project that honors the victims found on Gilgo Beach. All of the net profits are donated to the Sex Workers Outreach Project, “A social justice network dedicated to the fundamental human rights of people involved in the sex trade and their communities, focusing on ending violence and stigma through education and advocacy.”
Linkletter had actually been a co-star and executive producer in Discovery Plus’ Unraveled: The Long Island Serial Killer series.
“Me being someone who had always been invested in that case, being from Long Island and into true crime, when I found out someone I knew did a piece on it, we reconnected,” said Jamie Quilisadio, the designer behind Jimmy Toast. She has been friends with Linkletter since elementary school. “We were supporting each other and a couple years down the road, it was December of 2022... I was coming
that would go with the project.
Currently, all the necklaces are sold out. The necklaces will be making a comeback for the holiday season, this time through another project with the sister of Megan Waterman, who was found at Gilgo Beach. To learn more about the project, visit theheavymetalproject.com.
“Megan Waterman’s [necklace] has a charm with the same tattoo as her, which is her zodiac sign and she loved things with hearts on them,” Quilisadio said. “A lot of them include their birth stone. Valarie Mack’s mother gave her a black onyx ring and when she was found, she was wearing it. There’s black onyx [in the necklace]to represent her mother’s love for her. [I include] things like that to bring out their personality, not just their names. They were people. They had lives and they were taken too soon.”
When the last podcast and necklace of the series was about to drop, Heuermann was arrested.
“We had no idea it was coming,” Quilisadio said. “For all we knew, it was a cold case from 13 years ago.”
up with a new jewelry line and a lot of the jewelry that I make is inspired by my surroundings... A lot of the jewelry is inspired by where I live, a lot of ocean elements and metal that resembles the dead trees in the winter, and Herkimer diamonds from [upstate] New York.”
After being enamored with a handmade gift, Quilisadio first started dissembling and reconstructing jewelry as a hobby, eventually beginning a successful career
as a jeweler in New York City. With 10 years in the business, Quilisadio decided to start her own brand, Jimmy Toast, in 2019. With Gilgo Beach on her mind, she had an idea in December of 2022 to make 10 necklaces in honor of each of the victims found there. She reached out to Linkletter with the idea to see if she’d be interested in writing a paragraph about each of the victims. Linkletter wanted to take the idea even further by creating the podcast series
In December of 2010, remains of mostly sex workers began to be found along Ocean Parkway in Gilgo Beach. For the next 13 years, the case went unsolved amid a negative narrative around sex workers and corruption within the Suffolk County Police Department. The Gilgo Beach Homicide Task Force was formed after Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney took office in January of 2022, focusing on the disappearances and murders of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Amber Lynn Costello and Maureen Brainard-Barnes. A joint investigation using evidence from witness statements, phone records and even DNA from discarded bottles and a pizza box led to the arrest of Heuermann on July 13. His next court appearance is Sept. 25.
To read more about the investigation, visit longislandweekly.com/massapequa-park-resident-arrested-in-gilgo-beach-murders/.
It was the best of times; it was the worst of times: the endless road-trips
I took with each of my three children during their high school years (and the summers in between) so that they could visit potential “dream schools” and “try them on for size.”
Aside from racking up points at assorted national hotel chains and eating far too many fast-food burgers and fries, hours on end in a car with my teenagers was an experience to be remembered. Meticulously plotting out drives to maximize every mile and giving up control of all music choices from start to finish, these rite-of-passage journeys were actually incredible memory-making adventures that I wouldn’t trade for the world. And the majority of time on the trips, my sons and daughter actually enjoyed my company.
That is until I started asking questions during the campus tours and open house programs. (Cue the huge eye-roll and exhaustive sigh from the teenager to your left). I felt compelled to go beyond the glossy brochures, carefully curated websites and the well-trained tour guides in order to get a real picture of what it meant to be a student at each of the schools. In the end, my kids were happy to have the information so that they could make the application choices that were best for each of them.
In order to save your child enormous embarrassment, I give you the top 10 questions that truly helped to inform our family’s decisions along the college application trail.
1How will I select my academic advisor and what will our interactions be like as I progress through my time at the school?
If your kids are anything like mine, some will “know exactly” what they want to major in and others will “have no clue.” What they have in common is the need to develop a consistent guidance/ mentor relationship with an academic advisor who not only helps them to get signed into classes, but who helps them discover opportunities they didn’t know existed and to ask the questions they didn’t even know they were supposed to ask. Understanding how your child will be paired with an advisor, how frequently they will connect, what resources are available to track their progress and how to discover new possibilities is an important factor when comparing schools to one another.
2How soon can I start working with the career center so that I’m ready to stand out when looking for a job after college?
So many students wait until their senior year to visit the career center, thinking that all they need to do is get some help putting together a résumé and crafting a cover letter and finding out what databases are best for job hunters. What a lost opportunity. Career centers can and should be a part of the college experience right from the first-year of school. Whether it is taking interest and personality assessments, researching industries and individual companies, practicing interview skills or getting connected with College alumni to serve as career mentors, my children sought out this incredible resource from the very start. Not only had they collected a wide array of internship experiences along the way, but they also had a living, breathing résumé at graduation and a networking pool to guide them in the right direction.
3
How many students go home for the weekend on a regular basis?
What’s campus life like on the weekends?
Back in the old days, schools where most of the students went home on the weekends were known as “suitcase colleges.” This isn’t necessarily a bad circumstance, but it is one that will weigh into your child’s decision process. Life outside of the classroom provides as much (and sometimes more.) growth, development and learning experiences as lectures and labs. Will my child be one of only a few students in the residence halls over the weekends? What if we live too far away for her to come home more than just for big holidays and breaks? Are there enough on-campus activities offered so that no matter what students don’t always have to leave campus to find their own fun? Are libraries open and what are the hours? Are the hours extended during exam periods?
Are classes typically taught by full-time professors, adjuncts or graduate students? How
accessible is the faculty for tutoring or extra help?
When we read ranking lists about colleges, we see categories like faculty-to-student ratio and average class size. These are helpful, but don’t completely give a full picture. At many large, complex and “prestigious” universities, the rock-star faculty are more engaged in critical research and working closely with students in the graduate programs on their post-undergraduate study than we realize. When this is the case, colleges will rely on part-time visiting faculty members (called adjuncts) who often teach individual classes at several schools. Or, they may rely on graduate assistants to run the lectures or study sessions. Again, this is not inherently a bad thing. But it is an important factor when comparing experiences at different schools.
How’s the Wi-Fi on campus? Do I need to bring my own printer and modem for the residence halls? Do I need to pay for printing see COLLEGE TOURS on page 6B
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made significant inroads into higher education, promising to transform the way institutions operate and students learn. Like any technological innovation, AI in higher education comes with its share of pros and cons.
Personalized Learning
AI enables personalized learning experiences for students. It can analyze individual learning styles, strengths, and weaknesses, then adapt the curriculum accordingly. This personalization increases student engagement and helps learners progress at their own pace.
Efficient Administrative Tasks
AI-driven chatbots and automation systems handle administrative tasks such as admissions, enrollment, and student support efficiently. This frees up administrative staff to focus on more complex responsibilities, ultimately reducing administrative overhead.
Enhanced Research
AI aids in data analysis and research.
It can process large datasets quickly and discover patterns and insights that might be missed by human researchers. In fields like medicine, AI accelerates drug discovery and healthcare research.
Predictive Analytics
AI can predict student success or identify those at risk of dropping out. By analyzing data on attendance, coursework performance, and engagement, institutions can intervene early to provide support and improve student retention rates.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
AI can make education more accessible to students with disabilities. Speech recognition and text-to-speech technology, for example, assist students with hearing or visual impairments. This fosters inclusivity in higher education.
Bias and Fairness
AI algorithms can inherit biases present in their training data. This could result in unfair or discriminatory outcomes in areas such as admissions or grading. It is essential to continually monitor and address bias in AI systems.
Depersonalization
While AI offers personalized learning, it
may lead to a lack of personal interaction between students and educators. This depersonalization can hinder the development of mentor-student relationships, which are vital for holistic education.
Privacy Concerns
AI systems often collect and analyze a vast amount of student data, raising concerns about privacy. Institutions must take measures to protect sensitive information and ensure compliance with data protection regulations like General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Resource Requirements
Implementing AI systems in higher education requires significant financial and human resources. Not all institutions have the funds or expertise needed for effective AI integration.
Job Displacement Concerns
Automation of administrative tasks using AI can raise concerns about job displacement for administrative staff. Institutions must balance the benefits of automation with the potential impact on employees.
Ethical Dilemmas
AI can present ethical dilemmas in education, such as the use of AI-driven surveillance in online proctoring. Balancing the need for academic integrity with student privacy and fairness can be challenging.
AI systems can be complex to implement and maintain. Institutions may face technical challenges in terms of infrastructure, data management, and system compatibility.
Overreliance on Technology
An overreliance on AI technology may lead to a loss of critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students. Traditional teaching methods and human interaction remain essential for a well-rounded education.
AI in higher education offers numerous advantages, including personalized learning, administrative efficiency, enhanced research capabilities, and improved predictive analytics. It also raises concerns related to privacy, bias, depersonalization, resource requirements, job displacement, technical challenges, ethical dilemmas, and overreliance on technology. To harness the benefits of AI while mitigating the drawbacks, institutions must carefully plan and implement AI solutions, maintain transparency and fairness, and prioritize the ethical and educational needs of their students.
—With assistance from ChatGPT, a chatbot that uses AI to generate natural language responses to help with various tasks such as answering questions, writing emails, essays, etc.
Winston Preparatory School Long Island offers highly-individualized programming for students with learning differences, including dyslexia, ADHD and nonverbal learning disorder (NVLD).
Register for an upcoming Open House at winstonprep.edu or contact our Director of Admissions, Michele Bellantoni, at mbellantoni@winstonprep.edu
out papers? Are the washing machines coin-operated or do I need to put money on a card? Is there inter-campus transportation and if so, is there a way to know where the shuttles are via an app? Are there blue safety lights/alarm stations across campus?
This information is far from front-ofmind when students set foot on a dreamy college campus. Yet the answers to these questions will play a role in their everyday lives, whether they are commuters or residential students. There are of course no “right or wrong” answers to these questions but knowing what you’re getting is important.
6Does tuition increase every year? If so, what is the average tuition increase? What about room and board charges? Will my scholarship and/or financial aid go up along with the increases in costs? Are there opportunities to earn additional scholarships as I go through each year? Are there on-campus jobs to help me earn pocket money? How many upperclassmen move off campus and when? Does the college help me find a place off campus? What is the typical rent in the area?
Again, not the “sexiest” of topics to think about, but students and families often are so focused on the first year that they might not anticipate unexpected additional costs along the way. Being
able to plan out costs over the full college experience is important when narrowing down selections.
authorizes you to have access, you will be good to go.
7
What is the biggest complaint students have about “XYZ University”? If you could choose to come here again, would you?
It may seem funny to ask the question this way, but remember, when you’re on tour or at an open house, everything is set up to be as perfect as possible. (Don’t we do the same thing when we have guests over at our homes for dinner?) Absolutely no school is perfect and absolutely no school pleases 100 percent of the students, 100 percent of the time. That’s not realistic. But you can certainly ask your tour guides, students in the library, advisors, admissions representatives, faculty and even the cafeteria team to share their insights on this.
8
Is there a parent organization so that my “intrusive and needy” parents can get updates on important information?
Okay, maybe I worded that a bit harshly, but you get the idea. It can be hard for parents to accept that their children are now adults. Once they turn 18, the school not only won’t, but can’t share certain information with you as the parent. Yes, even if you are the one paying tuition. Understanding if there is a channel just for parents can help reassure the whole family. Often there are parent portals and once your child
9
Will I get to select my own roommate? How does that work? What if I don’t get along with my roommate?
This is way, way up there on the minds of incoming college students and it makes perfect sense. Just understanding how it all works eases the fear and uncertainty and get them excited about meeting their new roomies.
10
What are some of your favorite “XYZ University” traditions?
Whether it’s leaving candy on the statue of the mascot before finals week or the senior clap-out down the main campus road at graduation, feeling like you belong to the community is so important to a successful experience. Are there pep-rallies before big games? Is there a sophomore year study abroad opportunity? Does everyone sing the school song in the quad on opening day? You get the idea. Remember, it’s not just about classes and careers and outcomes. It’s a journey that is designed to be remembered for a lifetime.
Dr. Jacquelyn Nealon has spent the last 30 years as a vice president for enrollment, marketing and communications at many prestigious colleges and universities. She currently enjoys her role as the executive director of enrollment and marketing at Sacred Heart Academy, a Catholic, all-girls, college-preparatory high school on Long Island. But her most significant role has always been and will always be that of “mom” to her three children.
Choosing a college-level internship is a pivotal decision that can significantly shape your academic and professional journey. It’s more than just an opportunity to pad your résumé; it’s a chance to gain real-world experience, build valuable connections, and clarify your career goals. To make the most of this crucial step, there are three essential factors you must consider:
One of the most crucial aspects to consider when selecting a college-level internship is how closely it aligns with your career goals and aspirations. Internships offer a handson experience in a specific field, allowing you to test the waters and see if it’s the right fit for you. Before applying, take the time to reflect on your long-term career objectives. What industries or roles are you interested in? What skills do you want to develop?
Identifying your goals will help you narrow down potential internship opportunities.
Research the organizations and companies offering internships. Consider their reputation, values, and the nature of their work.
An internship at a prestigious company may look great on your résumé, but it might not provide the experience you need if it doesn’t align with your career goals. A lesser-known organization may offer more hands-on experience and mentorship in your desired field. Always prioritize the substance of the
internship over its prestige. Reach out to professionals in your chosen field or your college’s career services department for guidance and advice. They can help you determine which internships will provide the best foundation for your career path.
An internship is not just about completing tasks; it’s an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Look for internships that offer mentorship and learning
opportunities. Working closely with experienced professionals can accelerate your development, provide valuable insights, and help you build a network of industry contacts. During the application process, inquire about the level of mentorship and training that interns receive. Will you have regular meetings with a supervisor or mentor to discuss your progress and goals? Are there opportunities for skill-building workshops or training sessions? Are you encouraged to take on challenging projects that will
expand your knowledge and skills? A strong mentorship component can make a significant difference in the quality of your internship experience.
Consider the company culture and whether it promotes a learning environment. A supportive culture that values employee growth will likely provide you with more opportunities to learn and grow during your internship.
Give your student the tools they need to succeed in the classroom. Hofstra Youth Academy offers over 30 classes taught by New York State certified teachers and/or industry professionals in academics, fine and studio arts, enrichment, athletics, and video game development. Students in Pre-K through 12th grade benefit from Hofstra’s state-of-the-art facilities and our small class sizes allow for group and individual instruction.
Fall academic classes begin Saturday, October 14 and swim begins Saturday, October 21.
For more information or to register, visit ce.hofstra.edu/youth or contact us at 516-463-7400.
Save $25 per class
Networking is a critical aspect of any internship. It can open doors to future job opportunities and help you establish a solid foundation in your chosen field. When evaluating potential internships, think about the networking potential they offer.
Research the organizations’ alumni networks and their relationships with other companies in your industry. An internship at a company with strong industry connections can lead to valuable introductions and job prospects down the road. Attend industry events and conferences if possible, as they can be excellent opportunities to expand your professional network.
Consider the potential for a post-internship job offer. Many companies use
internships as a talent pipeline, and if you excel during your internship, you may be offered a full-time position upon graduation. Ask about the company’s history of hiring interns and the criteria they use to make such decisions.
Choosing an internship is a decision that should be made carefully, considering your career goals, mentorship and learning opportunities, and networking potential. By selecting an internship that aligns with your aspirations, provides valuable guidance, and offers networking opportunities, you can make the most of this formative experience and set yourself up for success in your future career. Remember that the right internship can be pivotal towards achieving your long-term goals.
—Anton Media StaffThe proper words to describe my internship at Anton Media Group are hard to describe. For a little bit of background, I graduated from SUNY Old Westbury with a degree in Media and Communications (essentially journalism with a different name) in May of 2023 after finishing my classes the previous year. And a mere four months later, I found myself here in a vocation related to my degree. Before I got here, I worked in retail for two years before having to quit because of the COVID pandemic. While I was in retail, I genuinely thought that it would take years for me to take my first steps in my chosen career path. Needless to say, my predictions could not be further from the truth. In that same vein, my expectation for this internship couldn’t be more inaccurate. Media today describes interns as experts in busy work who have nothing to do with the business itself, fetching coffee and other things for the actually important people. But when I first entered the office, I was being taught how to write for the paper. A week after
that, I was reporting on local events I found interest in. From the first phone call with my now editor Lauren Feldman to when I am now writing this report, I felt needed, productive, and important. If you want an experience that will give you real knowledge and wisdom in the field of journalism, intern at Anton Media Group. My education did indeed give me a solid foundation for the field, but nothing can compare to what I learned here. For example, I learned more about how photo credit works in one single meeting than four years of college ever taught me. Here, I feel I can be creative with little to no judgment. I can use that creativity and have it be rewarded with my name and face published for the first time in my life. For that, I am grateful to be here.
After all the hard work and excitement of getting a young student into college, they will soon be heading off to campus and beginning their journey to becoming independent adults. Parents have been anticipating and planning for this day and may have a solid plan to cover the tuition bill, but there can be many additional hidden costs as well as the challenges of keeping students with newfound freedom on a budget. To help navigate having a college student away from home, AAA Northeast Director of Student Lending and College Services Donald Kerr offers these financial tips.
Textbooks
Instead of buying new books consider used books or even renting books. Once a student starts to make friends they may have the same classes and could consider sharing a book with them. If possible verify with the professor that they will be using the recommended books before the class starts.
Parking
Leave the car at home as there are lots of costs associated with having a car on campus.
Off-campus housing
Consider sharing an apartment with multiple roommates off campus to offset the dorm costs. Students can still use a campus-based meal plan or cook their own meals for additional savings.
Fitness
Use the school gym if available instead of paying for a private gym. A bicycle is a good way to get exercise and can help save on transportation costs as well.
Scholarships
Many students look for scholarships but find it a frustrating and overwhelming process. Staying determined and applying for scholarships the entire time they are in college can pay off even if they win a small scholarship.
Food
Consider the students’ lifestyle when choosing a meal plan. If your student usually skips breakfast don’t spend the
money on three meals a day. Instead of stopping at that brand name café brew a cup of coffee in the dorm room. Little choices like this can add up to big savings.
Club and organization fees
Students like to join campus clubs or organizations to meet students with similar interests and many of these clubs charge fees.
Sorority and fraternity
Students can seek out or be recruited to join these organizations for many different reasons but there can also be
additional costs as well.
Professional clothes
When packing, not many students think about suits or professional attire but if the student is looking for an internship, part-time job or other type of interview they may be making a quick trip to a local outlet or mall.
Entertainment
Once on campus your student will make friends which can lead to nights out at the movies, restaurants, local concerts and other expenses.
Transportation costs
Even if you have accounted for the cost of flying your student halfway across the
country for college, once they get on campus they are going to want to explore the local area shops, restaurants and entertainment venues which means they will be taking Ubers, cabs and buses.
If your student is not going that far and plans to take their car, they will have to get a parking pass, oil changes, gas and insurance.
Keep track of spending
This is one of the most important things but can also be one of the hardest things to do for a college student that already has a busy schedule. Using budgeting apps can simplify this process and keep students engaged. Mint and Pocket Guard are two popular budget apps.
Students always call home for money as soon as they run out. Parents can use a reloadable debit card so they can keep track of how much money the student is using. Start with a small amount to keep your student from overspending.
Spending habits
If you start with a small amount on the debit card and your student wants you to add more money to it, make sure they explain to you what they spent the money on. If they have been using one of the apps this should be easy for them to do.
Using this approach you should be able to see what your student is spending money on and have conversations with them to understand, adjust and control their spending. For example, if they are eating off campus because they dislike cafeteria food, cancel or reduce their meal plan for next semester.
Increase income
If your student is having a hard time staying on budget they could consider getting a part-time job and apply for a federal workstudy job next time you apply for financial aid using the FAFSA form.
—AAA Northeastis pleased to announce an
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2023
Continuous self-guided tours between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM
Students entering 6th, 7th, or 9th grade and their parents who are seeking a qualitative Catholic education in the Marianist Tradition are invited.
See the Brother Joseph C. Fox Latin School, a division of Kellenberg Memorial that provides a qualitative Catholic Education for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students.
Experience more at Kellenberg Memorial Through our academic, spiritual, athletic, and extracurricular programs.
1400 Glenn Curtiss Blvd. Uniondale, NY 11553
Admissions Office: (516) 292-0200 Ext. 210
KELLENBERG.ORG
The start of the school year means new classes, new school supplies and for many kids, new shoes. If the back-to-school shopping list includes a new pair of sneakers, it’s important to choose a shoe with good support that fits well, according to pediatric orthopedic surgeons at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS).
“When parents bring their children in with foot pain or an injury, the first thing I do is ask about their shoes. The problem is often inappropriate or poorly fitting footwear,” said Dr. John Blanco, who sees young patients at HSS Long Island in Uniondale and at the main hospital in New York City. “Footwear has a lot to do with how their feet function day to day, especially during athletic activities.”
A sneaker should fit well in terms of length and width, have good arch support and be made of sturdy materials.
“If we could make sure shoes were the right size, had proper support and were laced up appropriately, we would probably solve 80 percent of the basic foot problems we see in kids,” Blanco said.
While many people have no problem with sneakers that they buy off the shelf, a specialty store with experienced staff can measure the foot and help select the best shoe for one’s foot type, according to Blanco. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a good shoe.
“The price of the sneaker has nothing
to do with the quality of the shoe,” Blanco said. “I see kids all the time with shoes that may look fancy on the outside, but you look inside and see that they don’t provide support.“
Blanco recommends lace-up sneakers over those that use Velcro, which provides less support. It’s important for young people to lace up their shoes each time they put them on.
“Many children and teenagers are in the habit of slipping their foot into and out of a shoe without lacing it up appropriately, and this affects the way the shoe fits,” he explained. “A loose shoe can leave someone more prone to injury if playing a sport.”
Laces should go all the way to the very top hole and be tied snugly, as properly laced shoes give more stability to the foot.
When choosing sneakers, Joseph Molony, a physical therapist and manager of the Young Athlete Program at HSS, recommends people start with a good quality name-brand shoe. You don’t need to buy a top-of-the-line luxury
model, but a solid name-brand shoe will generally be well constructed of quality materials. He offers additional advice when shopping for sneakers:
• Identify which brand fits best. Each company uses a specific foot mold when designing shoes. You may need a narrower heel, a wider toe box or a higher arch. Try on different brands to see which design is a good match for your foot structure. Once you’ve identified which one fits well, you can generally stick with that brand.
• The shoe should fit comfortably and snugly with no gaps between your foot and the inside of the shoe. For example, someone with a narrow foot may not do well with a shoe with a wide toe box.
• The shoe shouldn’t be so tight that it rubs against your foot in certain spots.
• Your heel should not rise up out of the shoe when you walk. Even if the shoe feels comfortable, the heel should not slide up and down.
• If you find a shoe you like in a store and it fits well, you can see if it’s available online for less money. If the color you want isn’t available in the store, you may
also be able to find it online.
• Be careful when considering soft, flexible, cross-training and minimalist sneakers (if you can roll them up or twist them easily, they would generally fall into this category). While they may be comfortable and fine for some, they are not the best choice for kids who need shoes with support.
• Runners may want to alternate running shoes every other day since shoe materials often take some time to recover their shape. You end up buying the same number of shoes each year when you rotate them.
• Wear the appropriate shoe for the athletic activity. Although cross-training shoes can be used for various athletic activities, many sports require specific shoes. Running shoes are not appropriate for court and field sports.
It’s important to retire shoes once they’re worn out. Many teens hold on to them too long.
“The main problem I see is that people wear their shoes to the very end,” Blanco said. “The shoelaces are broken, their toe is ripping through the side of the shoe, the sole is worn down, but they love those sneakers.”
Once a shoe is worn out, it no longer provides the support and protection needed for day-to-day activities, let alone sports.
—Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)
Educators, administrators, parents and anyone who’s been to a school or college campus lately knows students are struggling like never before. They are depressed, anxious, and—increasingly—even suicidal. Many are battling substance misuse or addiction. And horrifically, more young people are dying each day from accidental fentanyl overdoses. Facing any of these problems is hard enough on its own. But when students feel added shame, blame, and isolation for these diseases, it only adds to their struggle.
The stigma around mental health and substance misuse runs deep. But there’s a lot schools can do to stop it—if they’re willing.
“Many schools fear being labeled a ‘drug’ school, and while this kind of thinking is misinformed and misplaced, it repeatedly happens,” said student well-being activist David Magee, author of Things Have Changed: What Every Parent (and Educator) Should Know About the Student Mental Health and Substance Misuse Crisis (Matt Holt, August 2023, ISBN: 978-1-6377439-6-6) and award-winning book Dear William: A Father’s Memoir of Addiction, Recovery, Love, and Loss
“Schools can’t have a drug problem, though, because they are merely collections of students from families within the community,” he asserted. “Substance issues are family and community issues that show up in our schools, colleges, and universities. The same is true of mental health disorders, and countless students at many upstanding schools suffer in both areas.”
And yet, some schools have feared such labeling to the point that they don’t offer the needed education about substance misuse. But now it’s crunch time. The pandemic shed light on mental health struggles and brought the need for change to the forefront.
“Schools and colleges are in a great position to help students navigate these challenges,” said Magee, who has dedicated his life to giving students the tools they need to thrive and find the joy they crave more than anything else. “It begins with breaking down the stigma and letting students—of all ages—know that they are loved and supported.”
This is a personal mission for Magee, whose firstborn son, William, died from an accidental drug overdose in 2013. It’s why he founded the William Magee Institute for Student Wellbeing at the University of Mississippi, which seeks to understand how best to prevent or break the cycle of unhealthy habits and addictions that plague so many college students. He also founded the William Magee Center for AOD
and Wellness Education.
Here are six ways educators can help stop the stigma and get students the help they need.
1
Tackle the stigma head on. Everyone involved in higher education should be united to normalize mental health issues and substance misuse. This is the only way young people will feel comfortable talking about their struggles or asking for help.
Share real-life examples of people coping with mental health or substance use disorder to put a face on it.
Avoid using judgmental tones or words about anyone who suffers mental health or substance use disorder. (And be sure to speak up if you hear a student being judgmental.)
Let children know that substance use disorder is a treatable disease, not a personal weakness.
If you’ve received counseling or struggled, share that experience with a student who needs to feel less alone.
2
Make use of peer-to-peer educators… There’s a wise saying that goes, “Students get students on drugs, and students can get students off drugs,” (or
keep them from starting in the first place). Magee urges elementary, middle, and high schools and universities to create peerto-peer programs to educate and support students. These student-led organizations are proven to be effective at educating young people about mental health issues and substance misuse.
3
…And start these conversations much sooner. It’s critical to start these conversations earlier than you might think.
Imagine if students, beginning in the sixth grade, received repeated engagement with teams of storytelling peers sharing personal experiences and clearly stated facts of how those students can find and keep joy. By breaking the stigma upstream and reaching youth earlier, we turn the tide of the epidemic today and tomorrow as those students will be better-prepared parents and mentors one day.
Educators can help instill these tools in students of every age.
Plenty of sleep each night (not once in a while). Sleep deprivation can cause behaviors mimicking the symptoms of ADHD, along with rollercoaster emotions and impulses and increased risk for anxiety and depression. Young people need eight to ten hours of sleep each night.
Daily exercise, fresh air, and sunlight. A daily walk or run sends invigorating blood to the brain and body, making students feel more alive and alert while improving their mood. Encourage students to get movement every day.
Intentional social media use. There’s nothing wrong with using social media, but it’s not healthy to be online 24/7. Advise students to monitor their stress and anxiety levels (pay attention to feelings of nervousness or inferiority) and know when to take a break or stop altogether.
5Make counseling services visible and accessible. Any student should have access to mental health services. In a grade school setting, this might be the guidance counselor, school psychologist, social worker or school nurse. Most college campuses provide counseling centers that offer mental health support. What’s most important, though, is that students know what programs, services or treatments are available, and that they know how to make an appointment.
6Help students stay in school while they get the treatment they need. It’s crucial that schools create a clear path for students navigating substance misuse. All too often, they must choose between attending classes (or finishing out the school year) and seeking treatment. Students should be able to get the help they need without academic consequences. Schools and universities find ways to accommodate recovery treatments the way they would any other disease (because substance use disorder is, in fact, a disease). If possible, students should have the option to attend outpatient programs while remaining in school.
4
Talk to students about the “tools” for well-being, health and success. Creating sustainable joy begins with healthy habits. All students need a “toolbox” of habits, practices, and mindsets to help them maintain their mental health, avoid dangerous behavior like substance misuse, and create the wellness they crave.
None of these solutions are simple. But the mental health and substance misuse crisis has escalated to the point that many schools feel they can no longer ignore it. Nor should they.
“Stopping this crisis depends on parents, educators, students and communities all working together like never before,” said Magee. “Having caring educators join in these efforts will help our children—of all ages—find the health and happiness they truly deserve.”
All Our Lady of Mercy Academy students have a chance to explore leadership opportunities, arts, athletics, community service and many other extracurricular activities, to discover talents they never knew they had.
This mint three bedroom Colonial home at 24 NE Maple St. in Farmingdale sold on Sept. 8 for $665,000. It is close to the railroad station and the village. The home has hardwood floors throughout and has been beautifully renovated to include an expanded kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and sliders to the rear deck. The home has a bluestone front porch with a paver walkway. There is a six-foot soaker tub in the designer bathroom. The home is zoned with electric heat in the basement and has a separate laundry room. The home has a tankless hot water heater, 150-amp electric with subpanels and an organized mechanical area. The property has in-ground sprinklers, a five-year-old boiler, a new automatic garage door opener and new PVC fencing.
Late September is an ideal time to start planting your fall garden in Zone 7B on Long Island, as the cooler temperatures are conducive to the growth of certain crops. Here are the best things to plant to ensure a bountiful and vibrant autumn garden:
Leafy greens thrive in cooler temperatures, making them an excellent choice for your late September garden. Varieties like kale, spinach, Swiss chard and lettuce can be sown directly in the soil or transplanted from seedlings. These greens are rich in nutrients, easy to grow, and can withstand light frosts. Plant them in well-drained soil, provide ample sunlight, and keep the soil consistently moist for optimal growth. As the temperatures drop further into the fall, you can enjoy homegrown salads and sautéed greens.
they are typically more cold-tolerant than other garden plants.
Late September is an excellent time to plant herbs in your fall garden. Herbs like parsley, cilantro, chives and mint can flourish in the mild autumn weather. These herbs not only enhance the flavor of your dishes but also attract beneficial insects to your garden. Plant them in well-drained soil and provide adequate sunlight, as most herbs require at least six hours of sunlight per day. You can use herbs in your culinary creations or dry and store them for the winter months.
This cape-style home at 1 Birch Court East in East Farmingdale sold on Sept. 7 for $475,000. It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and has great potential. The interior, with its unique first-floor layout, is a blank slate for you to customize to your tastes. Plus, the home is situated on a manageable lot that is easy to maintain.
Fall is the perfect time to plant root vegetables like carrots, beets, radishes and turnips. These crops appreciate the cooler weather and can be harvested throughout the fall and even early winter. Make sure to choose a sunny spot in your garden with loose, well-drained soil to encourage root development and produce vibrant, flavorful vegetables. Consider using row covers or mulch to protect these crops from early frosts, as
When planting in late September on Long Island, it’s essential to be mindful of the specific microclimates in your garden and adjust your planting dates accordingly. Consider using row covers or frost cloth to protect your crops as the season progresses. By selecting the right vegetables and herbs and providing them with the appropriate care, you can enjoy a productive and satisfying fall garden that provides fresh and flavorful harvests well into the autumn season.
Homes shown here represent closed sales, sold by a variety of agencies and are selected for their interest to readers by the Anton Media Group editor. Except where noted, data and photos are provided courtesy of Multiple Listing Service of Long Island, Inc. and Zillow.
As summer winds down and the weather gets cooler, one of the most beautiful displays nature has to offer (in the northern hemisphere, anyway) gets going: the leaves change! The trees go from a canopy of green to a multicolored quilt of red, orange, yellow and brown. This is because the leaves stop making chlorophyll, the green chemical that turns sunlight into food. There are lots of fun crafts to make using these colorful leaves.
Materials
Colorful leaves
Hole punch
Glue Paper
(optional: googly eyes, glitter, markers)
Use the hole punch to cut out lots of dots from the colorful leaves. Keep the different colors separate. Put a layer of glue on the paper where you want the leaves to stick. You can make a collage of different leaves and art materials or create a picture using the dots. You could even use whole leaves for some shapes and add the dots to make different animals. Be creative!
According to the American Museum of Natural History, a fully grown immortal jellyfish, or turritopsis dohrnii, is about 0.18 inches across, smaller than a pinky nail. It has a bright-red stomach visible in the middle of its transparent bell, and the edges are lined with up to 90 white tentacles. They have incredible survival skills. In response to physical damage or starvation, they take a leap back in their development process, transforming back into a polyp. The born-again polyp colony eventually buds and releases medusae, the typical form of a jellyfish, that are genetically identical to the injured adult. The process, first observed in the 1990s, looks remarkably like immortality, giving the jellyfish its name. The cellular mechanism behind it, which is a rare process known as transdifferentiation,
interests‛ scientists for its potential application to medicine. In addition to its ability to survive, this jellyfish is also a traveler. They have been known to hitch rides in the ballasts of ships.
?
Question: What has hands and a face, but can‛t hold anything or smile?
Answer: A clock.
We read the “Lanternflies” article in your August 30 - September 5, 2023 edition of the Port Washington News . We did as it recommended and reported sighting several dozen of them in the Flower Hill Park located at the intersection of Port Blvd. and Stoneytown Rd.
The response from N.Y.S. (below) stated that Nassau is one of the counties from which they no longer need to receive reports of residents’ sightings.
To see these extraordinarily beautiful creatures outdoors is to wonder how something so exquisite can be so destructive.
“Thank you for contacting the New York State Department of Agriculture’s Spotted Lanternfly Response Team. Your information helps us respond quickly to potential SLF infestations so we can help protect New York’s agriculture, forestry, recreation, and tourism industries.”
“Residents of New York City, Nassau, Westchester, and Rockland Counties do not need to report SLF sightings to the Department or collect samples at this time. Residents outside these areas can help the Department track the spread of SLF by continuing to report SLF immediately after it is found.”
Respectfully,
Bob Campbell—editor’s note: As of September 12, the Dept. of Agriculture website has not been updated to reflect this change. Residents should still continue to kill these invasive pests regardless of the new guidance.
Being prepared for a flood means taking steps before flooding occurs to reduce the damage to your home and property.
Are you at risk?
A Flood Insurance Rate Map shows you the risk for flooding at your property.
If you live near a river or stream, or in a low-lying area, you may be subject to flooding and storm damage. To know if you are at risk and how likely you are to be flooded, consult a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) or “flood map.”
Find the Flood Insurance Rate Map for your address
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) produces FIRMs. These maps will tell you if you are in a flood-prone area, and how likely your area is to flood. Do you have flood insurance?
Many people assume that their homeowner’s insurance policy covers damage from flooding, but this is usually not true. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program to homeowners, renters and owners of commercial properties, whether or not your home is in a mapped flood zone, and whether or not it has flooded in the past.
If your property has already been flooded...
How you repair and rebuild after a flood will affect what happens to your property when the next flood occurs. Consult the Post-Flood Stream Reconstruction page for guidelines on how to repair flood damage, remove debris from stream and open stream channels.
Under “No Adverse Impact” floodplain management, the actions of one property owner are not allowed to adversely affect the rights of other property owners. The adverse impacts can be measured in terms of increased flood peaks, increased flood stages, higher flood velocities, increased erosion and sedimentation, or other impacts the community considers important.
DEC contacts for more information
Questions about floodplain development standards, assistance with understanding flood maps, and guidance with flood insurance requirements should be directed to the Bureau of Flood Protection and Dam Safety: 518-402-8185 or DOWinformation@ dec.ny.gov. Contact the Bureau of Public Outreach: 518-402-8044 or public@dec. ny.gov for information on shoreline stabilization techniques and best management practices for post-flood stream restoration. —Compiled from dec.ny.gov
This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any direction always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you have pleted the puzzle, there will be 15 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). Fascinating social prospects come along this week. ose who are curious about you in the ways you most appreciate are excellent people to know and trust. When someone asks you good questions, it’s a sign of their intelligence and their capacity for creating a strong relationship with you.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You have many kinds of love to give, and you’ll be generous and versatile with them this week. Whether it’s compassion, friendship, fandom, romance or other, you give freely without requiring they love you back, pay it forward or even be gracious receivers. You simply give, and the more you give, the happier you are.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You’re socially astute and you have the makings of a great leader. Knowing that people behave as they do, not as you believe they should, you think about the dynamic you would like to create and then work backward, imagining what you could communicate to inspire the sorts of behaviors you’d like to engage.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). e right plan can really concentrate your energy and help you take the next step and the next. But it’s not just the plan itself ; it’s the way it ts into your life. It has to be visible to be e ective. To build some accountability into the design, let other people know about it, too.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). To tie your happiness to what someone else does or doesn’t do for you puts your mood at the whim of uncontrollable forces. You’ll nd a less precarious route to happiness, one that’s not dependent on circumstance but rather on your ability to react in the curious, amused, energized or other way that keeps your energy high.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). ere are many things you want and few that you need. Recognizing the di erence between those categories makes you aware of options you wouldn’t be able to see if you thought everything was a need or everything was a want. e clever way you take care of yourself this week will be nothing short of inspired.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Good writing is rewriting. Good business is adapting to the customer’s needs. Good relationships change and grow. You’re stuck on an issue. e problem isn’t where you’re at; it’s a few steps back. Undo a bit of work and start again and you’ll see what has to happen.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You can be right in front of a thing and not see it if your eyes are closed. e same applies to your third eye. All the information you need to make your future better is before you. You only need to be open to receiving it. Declare your intention to improve out loud and a rm your awareness. You’re wide awake.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). In romantic comedies, two characters clash in the beginning and end up in love. In reality, such con icts don’t bode well for happy relationships. is week brings compatible people together for business and fun, so there’s no need to waste time with the ones who don’t hit it o from the start.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You’re happy to defer to another person who feels very securely in charge. You’re also fully aware that feeling in charge isn’t being in charge. You hold a fascinating kind of power -- the power that comes with making others feel powerful as they give you just what you want. Is it manipulation or just diplomacy? Does it matter?
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). It will take an extra e ort to stick to your plan for yourself. e key here is not to give yourself too much time to ponder or wander. Pretend like you’re a robot, program yourself, then go. Get the tedious tasks over with rst so you can move on to the more human aspects of your week, which will bring you immense satisfaction.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Con dent in your own identity, there is no need to pursue social standing. e yardstick of society is too limited to measure what is meaningful, lasting or beautiful to you. It only measures what’s popular. Assess outcomes by your own standards, or better yet, move through the week unselfconsciously for the sheer joy of being you.
Your sparkling communication opens opportunities often and regularly this year. Each month brings a juicy new o ering, and you’ll also ink a lucrative deal before the end of 2023. Seek circles where your talents are sorely needed because your happiness absolutely depends on nding use and appreciation for the things that make you who you are. More highlights: Your project will cross the nish line and win an award. Family expansion is in store. Your social circle gets interesting and diverse.
Solution: 15 Letters
This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any direction but always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you have completed the puzzle, there will be 15 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.
Solution:
Ad lib
Calypso Cool Dance floor Disco Dress Easy Enjoy Fast Formal Frug Galop Glide
Gown Heat Hula Jive Jota Juba Kolo Latin Lead
Legs
Minuet Mistakes Movement
Music Piano Plan Rave Reel
FROM KING FEATURES SYNDICATE, 300 W. 57th STREET, 41st FLOOR, NEW YORK, NY 10019
CUSTOMER SERVICE: (800) 708-7311 EXT. 236
CONTRACT BRIDGE — BY STEVE BECKER
Solution:
FOR RELEASE WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2023
in those days, but by modern standards four diamonds would surely be regarded as preferable for two reasons: First, hands with 6-4-2-1 distribution don’t lend themselves well to notrump play. Second, three notrump did not express the slam possibilities suggested by a hand with 17 high-card points facing a jump-shift.
Nevertheless, several rounds of bidding later the Culbertsons found themselves in six diamonds. It was an unsound contract, of course, but it had a good chance of succeeding — depending on the opening lead.
Jacoby had no clear-cut lead. The Culbertsons had bid all four suits, and where to attack was by no means obvious. It seemed to him there was a good chance that North had the A-Q of spades for his three-spade bid, and that a later finesse against his king would win.
This
Josephine Culbertson opened one diamond, and Oswald Jacoby made a weak jump-overcall of two hearts.
Ely Culbertson bid three spades — a jump-shift indicating a powerful hand — and Sidney Lenz passed.
Mrs. Culbertson then bid three notrump.
This might have been the right bid
Tomorrow:
So Jacoby decided to put Mrs. Culbertson under immediate pressure by leading the six of spades. He thought she might read the lead as a singleton and go up with the ace. Jacoby’s plan succeeded beyond his wildest dreams. Lenz won the trick with the ace and returned a spade, quickly nipping the slam in the bud. Had Jacoby led any other suit, Mrs. Culbertson would have scored all 13 tricks!
Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3x3 square.
Answer to last issue’s Sudoku Puzzle
Answer to last issue’s Crossword Puzzle
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EXCEPTIONALLY NEAT AND QUIET SINGLE PROFESSIONAL MALE, NON-SMOKER, IS LOOKING TO RENT A ROOM IN A HOUSE OR APARTMENT IN OR NEAR PORT WASHINGTON (ALL AREAS OF THE NORTH SHORE CONSIDERED). I AM A TELEVISION COMMENTATOR IN THE HEALTH FIELD. ROBERT- 917.856.5454.
Glen Cove – 3 Bedroom apartment. First Floor. O Street Parking. Near Hospital and Shopping. Approx. Occupancy October 15, 2023 $3,250. Call Broker at 516-671-6522
Federal, New York State and local laws prohibit discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, familial status, age, marital status, sexual orientation or disability in connection with the rental, sale or financing of real estate. Nassau also prohibits source of income discrimination. Anton Community Newspapers does not knowingly accept advertising in violation of these laws. When you suspect housing discrimination, call Long Island Housing Services’ Discrimination Complaint Line at 800660-6920. (Long Island Housing Services is the Fair Housing Agency of Nassau and Suffolk Counties.)
Garden City Public Schools
Inspiring Minds, Empowering Achievement, Building Community
Garden City Public Schools
IMMEDIATE OPENINGS
• Substitute Teachers
• Substitute Aides
• Substitute Nurses
(Must have RN License)
• Substitute Cleaners
• Substitute Drivers
INTERESTED CANDIDATES FOR SUBSTITUTE: Teachers, Aides & Nurses should ll out an application at www.gardencity.k12.ny.us.
Human Resources & Leadership Development tab, employment opportunities.
SUBSTITUTE: Cleaners & Drivers can call 516-478-1900 to apply.
If you are interested in opportunities to work in a beautiful setting that provides residents excellent care in a warm and friendly environment; this may be the long-term job you’ve been looking for. Competitive benefit package for full and part-time (FT&PT) employees.
We are looking for:
WAIT STAFF Servers needed (FT/PT)
HHA/MED TECH/CAREGIVER
Various shifts available. Elder Care experience a must. Dementia exp helpful. Take advantage of an opportunity to expand your education - Med Tech training and HHA Certification programs offered.
RECREATION ASSISTANT
Enthusiastic and creative individuals to complete our team (FT/PT), experience helpful.
RECEPTIONIST
Professional and well-spoken person needed days, evenings, and weekend. Must be a people person, able to multi-task and manage busy phones.
94 School Street, Glen Cove (516) 674-3007 ext. 118
Email resume Silvana@Regencyglencove.com
Top cash paid for COMIC BOOK COLLECTIONS, large and small. Interested in all eras andpublishers. Call Todd at 917.846.6279 or email portwashingtoncomics@gmail.com.
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On Sept. 9, the Jericho High School turf was filled with high school soccer teams from all across Long Island and lower New York, as part of the “Day of Champions.” They were there to compete in a tournament for a good cause, The Pat Covelli Foundation.
“The difference between [The Pat Covelli Foundation] and a charity that does one thing, is that all the money that is raised, is donated and it’s donated to whatever charities we want,” said Dani Braga, a Jericho High School soccer coach and owner of LIFT Long Island Fitness & Training in Jericho. “So, if the teams that play here have a specific charity that their school runs or God forbid a kid has a disease or illness, we donate directly to those chari-
ties. Last year we donated to the Thomas Cutinella [Memorial] Foundation from Shoreham, a football player that was killed in practice. So we donated a ton of money to their foundation. We’re doing one for Garden City, for cancer, for a couple of kids. That’s what this is all about.”
According to patcovellifoundation.org, The Pat Covelli Foundation honors Pasquale Covelli of New Hyde Park and later on, Westbury, who died in 1999. It was founded by his two brothers, Ralph and John.
“Pat fought many health-related battles, including diabetes and kidney disease, throughout most of his adult life, before succumbing to his illnesses in 1998 at the age of 44. Throughout his many health-related struggles, he always managed to make every possible effort to help others afflicted with ailments similar to his and those in his commu-
To help residents properly discard unwanted pharmaceuticals, Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (D - Plainview) is partnering with the Nassau County Police Department’s Second Precinct to host a “Shed-The-Meds” event at the Syosset Public Library on Tuesday, Sept. 26.
During the event, residents will have the opportunity to safely dispose their unwanted prescription, expired medication, vitamins, and other pharmaceutical waste. Please note, needles, sharps, aerosol cans, and other biohazardous waste will not be accepted.
“As we continue to observe September as National Recovery Month, one of the most important things we can do as a society is to prevent prescription drugs from inadvertently falling into the hands of people who are struggling with addiction,” Legislator Drucker said.
“Shed-the-Meds events are a convenient way to ensure that unwanted and expired drugs are disposed of securely and in an environmentally friendly way,
and I hope everyone will take advantage of this important service.”
—Submitted by the Office of Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker
Continued from previous page
nity requiring assistance of any type,” the website stated. “His strength, compassion and courage were an inspiration to all who knew him.”
Since then, Ralph and John have been raising money for charities that fight many different illnesses and ailments, including the Kidney and Urology Foundation of America and the Diabetes Research Institute. The Pat Covelli Foundation has also helped many deserving individuals and families during hardships.
Braga called The Pat Covelli Foundation a “top-level charity,” adding that he appreciates everything they do.
“When he passed away, he was pretty young and we were all in shock, and it was like ‘what do we do to help...?’ That’s why we started a foundation and continue the work that he did,” said John Covelli, a resident of Syosset. “He was always helping and he was always suffering. He had diabetes and that affected his eyes and his feet and he had to go on dialysis. And my older brother donated his kidney to him.”
John said after Pasquale received the transplant, that was the healthiest he ever saw him. It allowed Pasquale to live longer, and have a second child, who went onto being a doctor.
“My oldest son needed a [kidney] transplant, totally unrelated,” John said. “And my youngest son gave him his kidney. They just went through that eight months ago. Thank God, and knock on wood, they are
both doing phenomenal.”
The “Day of Champions” fundraiser saw games between Long Beach and St. John’s (West Islip) ; Shoreham and Kellenberg (Uniondale); East Hampton and New Rochelle; Amityville and Xavier (Manhattan); Garden City and St. Francis (Queens); Mepham (North Bellmore) and Byram Hills (Westchester); Jericho and Byram Hills; and Jericho and Center Moriches. Jericho won against Center Moriches by 1 point.
“It’s the second year we’re involved,” John said. “I’ve known Dani for a long time and he’s been a great friend and an amazing soccer coach and he came to me and my family a couple years ago, he’s always involved in every function that we do, and he goes ‘Covelli, I got a great idea. What if we make t-shirts and sell them at the event.’ And I said, ‘Okay Dani, what ever you need.’”
Braga said the participating teams are all champions within their leagues.
“It’s some of the best high school soccer around,” Braga said.
The t-shirt sales were quite successful last year, and this year, the t-shirts, along with hats, were being sold at the event.
Between the sales, and money that came in from the tournament, almost $10,000 was raised.
“This is actually our second year, and we’ve doubled in size already and next year, all these teams already asked to come back,” Braga said. “We actually have a waiting list, and next year we might do a whole weekend.”
Since 1958, the Syosset Council of PTAs (Parent-Teacher Association) and the STA (Syosset Teachers’ Association) have jointly sponsored the Syosset Scholarship Fund, Inc. giving more than 450 scholarships. Congratulations to the following five Syosset High School graduates who received the 2023 PTA-STA Scholarship.
•Tina Chen, daughter of Peng Ling and Jia Qing Wu, is attending Cornell University and plans to major in Biology and Information Science.
• Ella Garone, daughter of Lynn and Vincent Garone, is attending the University of Delaware to major in Fashion Merchandising.
•Wenzhen (Valentina) Hu, daughter of Xiaomei Chi, is attending the University of Michigan and plans on majoring in Economics.
•Michael Sabatino, son of Paul and Rachel Varga Sabatino, is attending Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester to major in Vocal Performance (Opera/Classical Voice).
•Xuheng Wang, son of Yifeng Li and Zimian Wang, is attending the University of Virginia and plans on majoring in Economics/Quantitative Finance.
The PTA-STA Scholarship of $3,000 over two years is available to any Syosset High School senior planning to pursue any field of endeavor leading to a degree, certificate, or license in an accredited post high school program. Each year, scholarships are awarded to qualifying graduating seniors to help defray the costs of higher education. Recipients are chosen primarily on the basis of financial need, in addition to academics and community service.
To continue providing these scholarships, please support the Syosset Scholarship Fund and make a donation.
Mail a check payable to “Syosset Scholarship Fund, Inc.” to P.O. Box 732, Syosset, NY 11791, attn. Syosset Scholarship Fund, Inc. Or donate via PayPal Giving Fund at paypal.com/us/ fundraiser/charity/1348484. Donations may be made “In Honor of” or “In Memory of,” Please indicate that on your check. Applications for the Class of 2024 will be available in January through SHS Guidance Department.
—Submitted by the Syosset Central School District
(Photos courtesy the Syosset Central School District)
Assemblymember Charles Lavine (D-North Shore) is doing what he can to ensure people on Long Island have enough to eat. Lavine is taking a hands-on approach in addition to working hard in Albany to secure funding to help food distribution programs right here on Long Island.
On Aug. 30, Lavine visited the Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center in East Hills to help assemble bags of food and other items essential for people in need on the North Shore to be able to welcome the Jewish New Year with dignity and joy. The bags consisted of items donated by Met Council, America’s largest Jewish charity dedicated to serving the needy.
Last month, Lavine joined Island Harvest CEO Randi Shubin Dresner to help package boxes of non-perishable food and fresh produce for seniors in need as part of the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). Lavine also worked with Island Harvest’s Community Mobile Market to deliver food at the City of Glen Cove Housing Authority Harold Seidman Senior Citizen Village as part of the same federally funded, state administered program. During that event alone, an astonishing 4,248 pounds of food was distributed to low-income seniors. In addition to his hands-on efforts, Lavine proudly secured a $25,000 grant to support Island Harvest which is now getting the word out about the issue of hunger as part of Hunger Action Month.
Earlier this year, Lavine paid a visit to the offices of Long Island Cares in Hauppauge, also the recipient of a $25,000 grant he secured. That day Lavine was a guest of CEO Paule Pachter on the Breaking Bread podcast. During the episode, Lavine expressed his concern for people in need and his appreciation for the work the organization does, “We want to make sure we have sufficient funding to guarantee that our fellow citizens do not go hungry. Something that is on the minds of everyone in the legislature whether they are a Democrat or a Republican.”
For more information on how to volunteer to help support the local community’s food needs, people can contact the Office of Assemblymember Lavine at 516-676-0050 or email at lavinec@nyassembly.gov.
—Submitted by the Office of Assemblymember Charles Lavine
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Town Clerk Richard LaMarca invite residents to renew their wedding vows at a group ceremony scheduled for Friday, Sept. 22, at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in Oyster Bay. The special ceremony begins at 11 a.m. and will take place along the beach, with beautiful views of Oyster Bay Harbor. Light refreshments will be served to guests.
“Our beautiful beach and picturesque
harbor provide the perfect back drop for couples who are looking to celebrate their love, and what better day to ‘fall’ in love all over again than in recognition of the first day of fall,” said Supervisor Saladino. “We look forward to sharing this wonderful day with happy couples who
want to declare their endless love for one another.” The ceremony will take place by the gazebo at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park & Beach, located off Larrabee Avenue in Oyster Bay hamlet. In the event of rain, the ceremony will be moved to Oyster Bay Town Hall. This event is offered free of
charge to Town residents but reservations are required. Residents interested in renewing their wedding vows should have RSVP’d by Friday, Sept. 15 by contacting 516-624-6380.
“We are so pleased to offer this wonderful event again in our beautiful hamlet and hope our residents come out and join us in affirming their commitment to one another,” added Town Clerk LaMarca.
—Submitted by the Town of Oyster Bay